The German grocery discounter and supermarket operator Rewe is to close its organic chain Temma, after the the business failed to meet the group’s expectations in certain parts of Germany. The company says it will switch focus to expanding its organic offer in its own supermarkets.
Seven of the nine Temma organic stores will be close in January.
The organic chains two Cologne stores – in the Braunsfeld and Bayenthal districts – are expected to be will be sold in April to former Rewe manager Christiane Speck, who co-developed the concept.
Rewe had hoped that the food hall-style Temma stores would appeal to shoppers nostalgic for smaller, neighbourhood shops or market style.
The first Temma state opened in 2009 and the chain went on to open outlets in Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Berlin and Cologne. It was the variable performance of the chain – some stores and locations performed significantly better than others – that prompted a rethink at Rewe over its options for organic food and drink.
Retail commentators have suggested successful elements of the Temma stores, which included deli counters, specialty bakeries and cafés, may be folded into selected Rewe stores.